Wednesday, 16 October 2019:

Queensland's tourism minister says the state missing out on a shot at hosting the NRL grand final in 2021 is a "kick in the guts".

Her comments come amid reports NSW had struck a deal with the NRL to host the grand final at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the next two years during major upgrades to its ANZ and Allianz stadiums.

Kate Jones said "I feel gutted" following reports Queensland's bid to host a grand final at Suncorp Stadium was unsuccessful.

She said the only way the NSW won the bid for the 2021 final was by stumping up $12 million in compensation for lost revenue due to the games being played at the SCG, which is smaller than the stadiums being renovated.

Ms Jones said she understood the decision came down to money.

She said she could empathise with Canberra Raiders fans, who lost this year's grand final, following a courtesy call from NRL CEO Todd Greenberg telling her the news on Wednesday.

"I think it's a kick in the guts. Right now I feel like a Raiders fan from the grand final," Ms Jones said.

"We believe we have the best NRL stadium in the world. I think it would have been great for the game."

Deputy Opposition Leader - and former NRL referee - Tim Mander said on social media the Queensland government had "stuffed up the best chance we ever had of getting the GF in Qld" in response to the news.

AAP